India’s trade deficit with China crossed USD 100 billion in the first nine months of 2026 as imports continued to outpace exports, with aluminium trade data showing a widening imbalance in the latest available period. While India’s overall exports to China recorded strong growth between January and September, the value of its aluminium exports to the neighbouring country declined year on year through July, even as aluminium imports from China increased. Data released by China’s General Administration of Customs showed that bilateral trade rose 25.4 per cent to USD 144.45 billion between January and September 2026. India’s imports from China increased 23.3 per cent to USD 125.19 billion, while exports to China grew 40.7 per cent to USD 19.26 billion. Despite the rise in exports, the trade...
Guinea’s ambition to move beyond bauxite exports into alumina refining and aluminium smelting is running into a major electricity constraint. Producing about 1,000 MW of power at present, it needs another estimated 5,000–10,000 MW for industrialisation. While new alumina refineries could expand intermediate supply, the shortage of reliable electricity is likely to delay additional aluminium production capacity beyond 2030. The challenge emerges as aluminium traded at USD 3,008.5 per tonne, down 8.77 per cent over the month but up 8.43 per cent year on year. Guinea mined an estimated 150 million tonnes of bauxite in 2025, accounting for 34 per cent of global output of 440 million tonnes. Yet it produced only 360,000 tonnes of alumina, or 0.24 per cent of worldwide production of 150 million...
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Indian based full-stack spacetech company Dhruva Space has announced a strategic partnership with Pixxel, a satellite imaging startup, to supply space-grade solar panels for Pixxel’s next-generation high-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation. Image for representational purposes As part of the agreement, Dhruva Space will work with Pixxel to integrate its advanced Solis+ solar panels into the upcoming fleet, enabling robust, high-efficiency power systems in orbit. The collaboration aims to power satellites designed for daily global revisit and high spectral fidelity, building on the success of Pixxel’s Firefly satellites, launched earlier in 2025, which delivered the world’s first 5- meter commercial hyperspectral imagery. Pixxel Founder and Chief Technology Officer Kshitij...
Gardaí and army bomb disposal experts are investigating after a suspect device was defused near the Aughinish Alumina factory in County Limerick. Image credit: alustory.international-aluminium.org The device, found yesterday afternoon close to an oil tank at the facility, prompted a major operation involving the Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit. Controlled detonations were carried out to sever key components from gas cylinders, preserving significant forensic evidence for investigators. Gardaí were alerted to the device at approximately 3:30 pm, with the operation beginning shortly after 4 pm. A cordon was established, and the EOD team removed the device from the scene for further examination. Investigations are now underway to trace the origin of the device’s...
Aluminium prices fell by 0.56 per cent and are settled at INR 249.15 (USD 2.99) per kg, where the fall is witnessed due to the weak manufacturing demand, irrespective of immense support from the supplies. As per the latest manufacturing Purchasing Manufacturing Index (PMI) by China's National Bureau of Statistics, another contraction month has been indicated, stipulating challenges in sustainable recovery in the world's top aluminium-consuming sector. Concerning China's production, aluminium output rose by 5 per cent year-on-year, reaching 3.83 million tonnes in May 2025. The total year-to-date China's total aluminium output stood at 18.59 million tonnes, representing a surge by 4 per cent. Concerning the global aluminium output, as per the data of Aluminium Institute, the year-on-year...
Canpack has officially commenced the expansion of its aluminium cans production facility in Bydgoszcz, Poland, marking the occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Canpackleadership, local government representatives, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the US Embassy in Poland, along with business and institutional partners. Supported by the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, with ALSTAL Grupa Budowlana appointed as the general contractor responsible for the construction phase, the facility will generate over 100 new job opportunities in the region. Currently, Canpack’s Bydgoszcz plant employs more than 470 people. “CANPACK’s latest investment project, valued at approximately PLN 440 million, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to the development of Poland’s packaging sector and...
As the global aluminium market braces for a new phase of industrial transition, driven by decarbonisation, electric mobility, and infrastructure growth, the mineral fuelling this surge is quietly building geopolitical weight. Bauxite, the primary ore for aluminium, is showing a reshaped reserve landscape in 2024, with fresh data from AL Circle's research highlighting strategic concentrations that could redefine global supply chains. As of 2024, five countries dominate the global bauxite landscape by reserve volume: Guinea, Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia. Together, they account for over 66 per cent of the world’s total reserves. However, when juxtaposed with actual production output, the picture becomes more complex. Global snapshot: 29 billion tonnes and counting As of 2024,...
Nigeria, one of the world's leading oil producers and home to over 200 million people, continues to grapple with a range of challenges, from insufficient job creation and limited economic opportunities to widespread mismanagement. Among these pressing issues, inadequate electricity supply stands out as a major concern, particularly in key industrial regions where stable power is essential for growth and development. In response to this, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has embarked on the reconductoring of the ageing Kumbotso–Dakata 132kV double-circuit transmission line in Kano, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing power supply to the Dakata Industrial Zone and the upcoming Walalambe Transmission Substation. This line also plays a vital role in strengthening...
As the July 9 deadline approaches, the US trade partner countries are looking to initiate deals with the Trump administration for tariffs to snap back to higher levels. Moreover, more than 100 partners are expected to see a "reciprocal" rate of 10 per cent in the coming week, where the possibility of emerging flurry deals materialises before the deadline hits. Image source: customssuport.com Stand of the Chinese trade partners Currently, the US has eased the export restriction on China for conducting business with chip design software and ethane, indicating a calming trade tension between the two countries. This ease had come into being after signing an agreement in May, concluding a framework directing larger trade deals. US-based software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS)...
According to a recent report, the Canadian government has entered into critical discussions with Rio Tinto to assess the financial support required to help the company overcome the crushing effect of the US aluminium and steel tariffs. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking on July 3 during her visit to Quebec's Saguenay region, confirmed that Ottawa is willing to provide liquidity support to safeguard jobs in Canada's aluminium sector. Businesses need liquidity, and we're ready to help - stated Joly during her meeting with local business leaders. The previous day, Minister Joly paid a visit to Rio Tinto's aluminium smelter in Arvida, Quebec, where she met with the company's leadership team, employees, and the union, and conveyed the Canadian government's message that its priority is to...
Gujarat-based H&H Aluminium Pvt Ltd has established India’s largest aluminium solar frame manufacturing facility in Rajkot with an investment of INR 150 million (USD 1.8 million. Located in Chibhda village and spread across 28,000 square meters, the facility has an annual production capacity of 24,000 tonnes. Image for referential purposes only The plant was inaugurated by Union Minister C.R. Patil (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation) at an event in Ahmedabad. Trial production began in June 2025, and the company expects to begin full commercial operations within the next month. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to generate annual revenues of INR 700–750 crore and provide direct employment to 300 people. To meet global quality...
Australia Pacific bauxite operations of Rio Tinto achieved a significant milestone during the last cyclone season, as it has not faced any ‘stack outs’ or any ship diversions at the Port of Weipa. This port is located on the far north coast of Queensland in a high weather-exposed part of the Western Cape Peninsula. Image for referential purposes only Rio Tinto exceeded its overall capacity of 22.8 million tonnes per year for the first time since its operations began in 2018, achieving almost 23.3 million tonnes in 2024. A major part of the contribution to the ongoing refinement process of Rio Tinto is managed remotely by the Operations Centre (OC) in Brisbane. Rio Tinto’s operations are being effectively maintained by the Safe Production System (SPS). The SPS is a production system that...
Electricity is one of the key inputs for an aluminium smelter, requiring around 13,000 to 17,000 kWh for one tonne (1000 kg) of production. So, the more electric supply, the better it is for any primary aluminium producer; and if it is a hydro or green energy supply, then the best it is for sustainability goals. Aluminerie Alouette Inc., a large aluminium smelter located in Sept-Îles, Quebec, Canada, partially owned by AMAG Austria Metall AG, has reportedly secured a long-term power contract from the state-owned Hydro-Québec, charting the path to greener production amp up. The news surfaced after the Alouette and Hydro-Québec signed a Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing on supplying 1,035 MW of electricity from January 1, 2030, to December 31, 2045. In addition, 50 MW, divided into two...
US automakers Ford and General Motors reported a sharp rise in second-quarter vehicle sales, driven by a consumer rush to buy cars ahead of newly imposed tariffs on imported vehicles and parts. Image for representational purposes General Motors reported a 7.3 per cent rise in vehicle deliveries, reaching 746,588 units, driven by solid demand for pickup trucks, SUVs, and budget-friendly models. Ford outpaced GM with a 14.2 per cent sales increase, totalling 612,095 units, boosted by a widely popular employee pricing offer. The sales bump coincided with growing consumer concerns over price hikes due to the US government's 25 per cent tariffs on imported finished vehicles (effective April) and auto parts (effective May). However, White House officials introduced a two-year grace period and...
Constellation Brands, the beverage behemoth behind Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico, has publicly held Donald Trump’s reinstated aluminium tariffs responsible for its underwhelming Q1 2025 financial performance. And in doing so, it has flung a spotlight on a long-simmering trade policy issue with serious implications for the global aluminium packaging industry. For the first time in years, aluminium has moved from the quiet corners of the commodities trade into the earnings calls of Fortune 500 giants. Image for representational purposes only The company’s executive team revealed that aluminium tariffs will cost them an estimated USD 20 million in earnings this fiscal year alone, shaving 20 basis points off profit margins. The USD 20 million aluminium shock Constellation’s Q1 earnings missed...
Sustainability is at the heart of everything Nespresso does. The company is committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet while continuing to offer customers some of the finest coffees in the world. In keeping with this philosophy, Nespresso Canada and Éco Entreprises Québec are set to expand their ‘green bag’ coffee capsule recycling program to cover all municipalities across Quebec. The initiative aims to make recycling easier for consumers while aligning with the province’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations. As selective collection systems undergo modernisation in Quebec, Nespresso customers are encouraged to place their used coffee capsules in the green recycling bags. These bags are provided free with every Nespresso online order and are...
Vedanta Limited, an Indian metal giant has reported a robust operational performance in the first quarter ending June 30, 2025, with a particular highlight on its aluminium value chain. The highlight of the quarter was record alumina production at its Lanjigarh refinery, which reached an all-time high of 587 thousand tonnes. This marks a 9 per cent increase year-on-year and a sharp 36 per cent rise compared to the previous quarter. The growth in alumina output was primarily driven by Vedanta’s expansion of its refining capacity at the Lanjigarh facility in Odisha. The company recently enhanced the plant’s annual capacity from 2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 3.5mtpa. This capacity upgrade, along with improved raw material availability and operational efficiencies, enabled the company...
Metro Mining Limited has reported record bauxite shipments of 589,000 wet metric tonnes (WMT) in June 2025, marking a 16 per cent year-on-year increase. The milestone comes despite operational challenges caused by restricted drafts in the Skardon River, highlighting the company’s operational resilience. Image credit: business-humanrights.org The Australian miner, which operates the flagship Bauxite Hills Mine in northern Queensland, continues to make strides toward its 2025 shipment target of 6.5-7 million WMT. This performance builds on a strong growth trend, following previously reported record months and Metro’s all-time high shipment of 720 thousand WMT in August 2024. During a mid-month shutdown, Metro advanced critical maintenance work to optimise operations and improve future...
DISA has established a new test foundry in Denmark to help aluminium, steel, brass, bronze, and iron casting producers adopt the highly efficient green sand moulding process. Designed by DISA's foundry technology experts, the facility will conduct production trials to demonstrate that the green sand method can meet both casting specifications and cost requirements. DISA aims to make it easier for casting producers to switch from more expensive processes like die casting or no-bake, potentially reducing costs by up to 20 per cent, says DISA President Ulla Hartvig Tønnesen. "We typically see a 15 per cent lower cost per casting by switching to green sand, but it can be 20 per cent or more. It's a big opportunity for non-iron foundries currently using processes like shell, no bake and die...
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) has announced a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, aimed at bolstering the UK aluminium sector’s international trade and technical capabilities. Unveiled during ALFED’s House of Lords lunch last week, the partnership marks a pivotal moment for the UK aluminium industry as it faces both emerging opportunities and critical challenges. Attended by industry leaders, parliamentarians, and government officials, the event served as a platform to highlight the aluminium sector’s role in building sustainable, competitive, and resilient supply chains for the future. Among the key issues discussed were the need to support the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, retain the economic value of secondary aluminium within the UK, and...
